CSLB General Building (B)Framing and CarpentryEasy
A contractor is framing an interior stairway in a single-family residence under the California Residential Code (CRC). What is the maximum allowable riser height for this stairway?
- A8 3/4 inches
- B8 1/4 inches
- C7 inches
- D7 3/4 inches
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 7 3/4 inches
The CRC (and CBC for residential occupancies) limits riser height to a maximum of 7 3/4 inches to keep stairs safe and consistent for users. Uniformity between risers is also required within a tolerance of 3/8 inch.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 8 3/4 inches is far above the legal maximum riser height.
- B. 8 1/4 inches exceeds the code maximum and would fail inspection.
- C. 7 inches is well within code but is not the maximum allowed height.
Maximum Riser Height
The CRC limits residential stair risers to a maximum height of 7 3/4 inches to ensure safe, comfortable stair use.
- Max riser height: 7 3/4 in
- Min tread depth: 10 in
- Riser height variance within a flight limited to 3/8 in
Memory trick: 'Seven-three-quarters, safe steps that pass.'